Neutral density filter

desertwalker · 01-03-2010, 07:55 PM

I normally always have a circular polarized filter on my camera when I'm out taking landscape shots to get those deep blue skies.

But in reading Outdoor Photographer, a lot was mentioned about a Neutral density filter, what is the function and or benefits of this filter??

Jewelltrail · 01-03-2010, 08:58 PM

This recently came up--read here: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/general-photography-techniques-styles/804...cape-shot.html

Everything you want to know is here, and more. The thread is very new. If, after reading, you still have more questions, ask them. You will find pictures and discussion clearly demonstrating the ND filter--graduated ones.

johnmflores · 01-03-2010, 10:25 PM

Some days are so bright that you've got to stop down your lens (smaller aperture, larger F number) in order to get a proper exposure. That's ok unless you really want to use a shallow depth-of-field (bigger aperture, smaller F number) to isolate your subject. What to do?

Without a neutral density filter, you're stuck with stopping down the lens and increasing your depth of field.

With a neutral density filter - which essentially cuts down the quantity of light (but not the quality) entering the lens - you can get shallow depth-of-field shots in bright sunlight.

Jewelltrail · 01-03-2010, 10:39 PM

Quote:

johnmflores: With a neutral density filter - which essentially cuts down the quantity of light (but not the quality) entering the lens - you can get shallow depth-of-field shots in bright sunlight.

And this also allows you to get slower shutters speeds as well, which comes in handy if you choose to blur water movement.

Damn Brit · 01-04-2010, 02:13 AM

Then of course there are those sunsets where you need a long exposure to get detail in the darker areas but you don't want to blow out the sky.

desertwalker · 01-04-2010, 04:58 PM

Thank you all for the information, this will correct some of the problems I've been having.
Sometimes it's easier to just ask!!

01-03-2010, 07:55 PM	#1
desertwalker Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado Photos: Albums Posts: 29	Neutral density filter I normally always have a circular polarized filter on my camera when I'm out taking landscape shots to get those deep blue skies. But in reading Outdoor Photographer, a lot was mentioned about a Neutral density filter, what is the function and or benefits of this filter??

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01-03-2010, 08:58 PM	#2
Jewelltrail Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Rhode Island Photos: Albums Posts: 4,180	This recently came up--read here: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/general-photography-techniques-styles/804...cape-shot.html Everything you want to know is here, and more. The thread is very new. If, after reading, you still have more questions, ask them. You will find pictures and discussion clearly demonstrating the ND filter--graduated ones.

01-03-2010, 10:25 PM	#3
johnmflores Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Somerville, NJ Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,361	Some days are so bright that you've got to stop down your lens (smaller aperture, larger F number) in order to get a proper exposure. That's ok unless you really want to use a shallow depth-of-field (bigger aperture, smaller F number) to isolate your subject. What to do? Without a neutral density filter, you're stuck with stopping down the lens and increasing your depth of field. With a neutral density filter - which essentially cuts down the quantity of light (but not the quality) entering the lens - you can get shallow depth-of-field shots in bright sunlight.

01-03-2010, 10:39 PM	#4
Jewelltrail Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Rhode Island Photos: Albums Posts: 4,180	Quote: johnmflores: With a neutral density filter - which essentially cuts down the quantity of light (but not the quality) entering the lens - you can get shallow depth-of-field shots in bright sunlight. And this also allows you to get slower shutters speeds as well, which comes in handy if you choose to blur water movement.

01-04-2010, 02:13 AM	#5
Damn Brit Guest	Then of course there are those sunsets where you need a long exposure to get detail in the darker areas but you don't want to blow out the sky.

01-04-2010, 04:58 PM	#6
desertwalker Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado Photos: Albums Posts: 29 Original Poster	Thank you all for the information, this will correct some of the problems I've been having. Sometimes it's easier to just ask!!